This textbook chapter introduces the buffalo as a keystone species, and describes the environmental impacts of its near extinction, including today’s predominance of non-native species in the Great Plains. Human activities that contribute to...(View More) species extinction are addressed. Students graph historical sightings of buffalo, and calculate the number of buffalo killed for bone used in refining sugar and fertilizer and in the production of bone china. The resource includes a link to current news articles and a teacher's guide. This is the second chapter in the unit, Losing Biodiversity, examining the endangerment and extinction of entire species of plants and animals throughout the world due to human actions. The resource is part of Global System Science (GSS), an interdisciplinary course for high school students that emphasizes how scientists from a wide variety of fields work together to understand significant problems of global impact.(View Less)

This introductory textbook chapter presents data demonstrating decreased global biodiversity and its link to human activity. The resource includes a field-based student investigation of local biodiversity, links to current news articles, and an...(View More) essay-based unit assessment. A teacher's guide supports classroom use. This is chapter 1 in the unit, Losing Biodiversity, is about the endangerment and extinction of entire species of plants and animals throughout the world due to human actions. The resource is part of Global System Science (GSS), an interdisciplinary course for high school students that emphasizes how scientists from a wide variety of fields work together to understand significant problems of global impact.(View Less)

This is a reading-comprehension lesson about historical meteorite falls. Learners will read about large historical meteors and meteorites falls, discuss the effects on people, and compare their reactions with those in recorded history. Suggestions...(View More) for student mapping and vocabulary words are included. This is lesson 15 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries.(View Less)

This is a lesson about discerning fact and fiction in news articles. Learners will read tabloid articles about meteorites and decide if the information is fact or fiction. Questions, extensions, and advanced preparation and procedural tips are...(View More) included. This is lesson 19 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries.(View Less)